Pre-cleaning can save money and time during RRPAWDIRRP in some ways is “Lead Safe Lite” because RRP’s requirements are more lax than true abatement and even those in OSHA standards. To be considered worrisome under RRP, EPA points to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 403 regulations that define dust-lead hazards as levels that equal or exceed 40 µg/ft2 of lead on floors or 250 µg/ft2 of lead on interior windowsills (troughs).

If a contractor were able to reduce the existing dust levels in a home to below these numbers, conceivably the area where the project was to be done might avoid RRP – or at least lessen the cost, time, and effort in mitigation, collection and disposal.

There is precedent for this approach in the EPA’s work analyzing dust levels created by certain projects when they worked on the final version of RRP.

Sierra Pacific buys Hurd Windows and DoorsWoodworking NetworkSierra Pacific Industries announced it has completed the purchase of Hurd and Superseal Windows and Doors. Sierra Pacific announced its intent to purchase Wisconsin-based Hurd and Superseal on July 7. This purchase will add manufacturing capacity, a skilled work force, additional product lines and immediate exposure to Central and Eastern U.S. and international markets for the Window Division of Sierra Pacific Industries - a family owned and managed wood products firm headquartered in Anderson, California.

Vinyl wins for longevity and energy efficiencyThe Salt Lake TribuneThe key to a warm, energy efficient home during the cold winter months is good insulation. It prevents the cold from getting in and the heat from getting out. But while insulating the roof and walls of your home go a long way toward keeping it warm, and reducing your energy bill, windows create a challenge, since they are often responsible for a significant amount of escaping heat.

When it pays to replace your windowsConsumer ReportsOwning a home has its joys but there’s always something to add to the to-do list. Replacing all the windows comes to mind when rooms feel drafty and flyers arrive in the mailbox claiming you’ll save lots of money on heating and cooling. Sounds great, but here’s why saving money isn’t the reason to take on this project, plus a look at the best windows from Consumer Reports’ latest tests.

Remodeling real talk: 10 steps to tackling your next projectColumbus MonthlyWhether you’re taking on a half-bath remodel or totally gutting your kitchen, home renovations can be overwhelming - especially for a first-timer. We talked to the pros about where to start and how to plan, as well as the basic steps to follow as you take on your dream project.

1 of the most important questions you will ever ask yourselfDoor & Window MagazineThere are times in life that you get asked intense questions. These are questions that, if used properly, can reshape your life. As a leader, whether in your family, or in your business, you get to answer this most important question: Do you want to be right, or do you want to be effective?
Is your daily life built around the concept of you having to be right or is it built around you being effective?

The builder with the best talent thrivesBuilderA home building company can have the best-built houses, implement cutting-edge marketing and sales training strategies and artfully merchandise its homes. These are all important factors in success, but they do not drive a business. Talent does.
If, for example, you have a recurring marketing problem in your company, then you should hire a more talented person to run your marketing department - someone with the skills to overcome the challenges. Sounds logical, doesn’t it?

What does the color of your door say about you?Record & Clarion Are you an introvert with an orange front door? If so, you’re sending mixed messages to your friends and neighbors. According to national color expert Kate Smith, you should try to match the color of your entry door with your personality to give guests a “preview” of the owner inside the home.